Caprese Pasta Salad

Summer is the perfect time to embrace the fresh ingredients used to make this deliciously easy Caprese Pasta Salad! This vibrant, refreshing recipe combines the flavors of a classic caprese salad with the heartiness of a whole-grain pasta, making it both satisfying and healthy.

Course Main Course, party appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings people

Calories 385kcal

Author Jillian Schneider

Equipment

large pot

Ingredients

1 lb whole wheat pasta Choose your favorite. I recommend cavatappi, rotini, fusilli, farfalle, orecchiette, penne, or casarecce.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups cherry tomatoes
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning if you do not have Italian seasoing you can make it from basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, margoram, and a garlic powder.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
8 oz mini mozzarella balls
¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese more for sprinkling on top before serving
½ lemon freshly squeezed

Instructions

Step 1 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain in a colander and run cold water on it to cool it off, and set aside.
Step 2 - Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 3 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced tomatoes, parmesan cheese, mozzarella balls, basil, and dressing. Serve!

Notes

How can the kids help?

Tear the basil - instead of chopping the basil with a knife, the kiddos can tear the leaves using their hands.
Mixing the pasta salad - the little ones will love dumping the ingredients into the big bowl and mixing it all together.
Taste testing - the best part of the whole cooking process. Eating the final product!

Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, blending the ingredients and having the salad chill in the fridge helps the flavor meld really well. Just reserve a bit of the dressing and some of the fresh basil and add those in right before serving.

What type of pasta works best for this cold Caprese Pasta Salad?

The best type of pasta to use is really your choice, but some of my favorites are rotini, penne, farfalle, cavatappi, fusilli, or orecchiette.

Can I make this summer pasta salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or opt for a chickpea- or lentil-based alternative, and add extra protein for a boost.

How to store this dish.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition